Olivia Wilde Recalls Intense Backlash to ‘House’ Character’s Inter-Racial Romance

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As a seasoned movie reviewer with decades of industry insights under my belt, I must say that Olivia Wilde has truly come into her own as a formidable force in Hollywood. Her portrayal of Thirteen on House was undeniably groundbreaking and paved the way for more diverse representation on television. However, it’s heart-wrenching to hear about the death threats she received due to an interracial relationship that was merely part of the show’s narrative.

It seems that some fans didn’t approve of Thirteen’s romantic involvement with Dr. Eric Foreman on the popular TV show, House. As reported by Olivia Wilde, who played MD Remy Hadley (Thirteen), this interracial relationship resulted in her receiving severe threats. In an interview at the Red Sea International Film Festival, Wilde disclosed that additional security was needed due to these threatening messages. Wilde stated (as reported by Variety):

A torrent of alarming death threats kept flooding our workspaces back then. Reflecting on today’s TV shows, such as ‘Euphoria,’ and considering the impact of my character at that time, it seems quite ordinary now, almost trivial.

Wilde, who played Thirteen from Seasons 4 through 8, was recognized with four Teen Choice Award nominations (2008-2011) and a Screen Actors Guild Awards nomination for ensemble work during her time on House. Today, Wilde is not just a well-known actress but also a significant filmmaker. However, the director of ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ and ‘Booksmart’ stated in an interview that fame isn’t without its price. In the same conversation, Wilde added:

The impact on an artist can be deep because it diminishes the fearlessness within them. When one starts worrying about being judged, they develop a self-consciousness that has never been beneficial for any creative person. A director I respect recently advised me that as directors, we must make a choice: Do we wish to be a celebrity or an artist? With social media, this dichotomy has become even more intertwined.

Olivia Wilde Sets the Tone for Women in Hollywood

13 times, Olivia Wilde’s performance is often seen as one of her best, but the actress from House has moved past just acting on camera. With memorable roles such as those in Tron: Legacy, Richard Jewell, and The Lazarus Effect, Wilde understood that a woman’s value in Hollywood is assessed in an unusual way. Speaking about her career, the filmmaker and performer expressed:

“Acting is the only job where the more experience you have, the less valuable you become… with actresses, the older you get, the less valuable you become. For me, it was such a boost in confidence to know that I can actually walk into a room and sell a movie, get a movie financed, because I know what I’m talking about.”

At the Red Sea International Film Festival, Wilde inspired women in Hollywood to act boldly as she expressed her views. In simpler terms, she urged them to be fearlessly courageous.

It’s essential to instill in women the belief that they have the right to occupy space confidently, to lead boldly. Leadership can be challenging for everyone, including men. However, society often conditions women to feel like they should always apologize for simply existing. As a director, such self-doubt is not sustainable. I believe the key lies in changing how we nurture and empower women, fostering a spirit of fearlessness.

Wilde emphasized at a film festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that movies directed by women do not generate less revenue. He argued that it’s not the audience who is the issue, but rather the funding sources and production companies.

Regardless, Wilde has risen above simply being a recognizable and bankable actress in Hollywood, and her ever-expanding career will soon continue both in front and behind the camera with the erotic thriller I Want Your Sex (acting), and Wilde will reportedly be directing the Margot Robbie-led Avengelyne adaptation, which Tony McNamara will pen.

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2024-12-11 03:01